A TOP Rochdale health boss has quit over the use of private health companies in the NHS, which she said were 'destroying the NHS.'

Debbie Abrahams, chairman of Rochdale Primary Care Trust for the last two years, announced her resignation after joining hundreds protesting about the 800 job cuts planned by Pennine Acute Trust chiefs.

Mrs Abrahams is the third health boss to step down over the past few months, with the chairman of Pennine Acute Trust, Steven Price, resigning in February and chief executive Chris Appleby standing down in May.

Mrs Abrahams, whose resignation takes effect in September, said: "I have become very concerned about the use of private providers.

"They have a place, but what we are seeing is an increased use of private providers and there will ultimately be a point of no return.

"The use of private providers will ultimately force PCTs to close as they will become unviable and will destroy the NHS as we know it.

"I believe passionately in the NHS. It is not just about how we provide healthcare, it reflects and represents the values of our society.

"Private providers care primarily about making money while the NHS cares about what is best for the patient and when profitability is in the equation, patient care will suffer.

"There is an increased use of private providers funded with NHS money and they have a very different set of values."

Trevor Purt, the PCT chief executive, said: "The news has come as a complete surprise, particularly in view of her considerable input into the proposals on the reconfiguration of NHS services in the north east of Greater Manchester.

"Debbie has expressed her own point of view in relation to the modernisation of the NHS.

"However, as an organisation, we are fully committed to ensuring patients receive the best possible care when it is needed and where it is wanted.

"Our objective is to secure top quality health services that are sustainable."